Saving Lives: Ukrainian PD-2 UAV Tested for Transporting Donor Organs

Ukrspecsystems is exploring the use of its PD-2 UAV for applications beyond military use.

The domestic drone could, in particular, speed up and reduce the cost of transporting donor organs between medical institutions in Ukraine.

Ukrspecsystems told Militarnyi that the Heart Institute of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine has already tested the PD-2 for such tasks. The company noted that participating in this project is a natural and logical step for a business preparing for the future.

“The market for autonomous medical delivery is growing rapidly. In 2023, the global estimate was roughly $245 million, with projections reaching up to $2 billion by the 2030s. Considering the progress of unmanned technologies since then, and the experience of domestic companies, we can confidently claim a share of this market,” the company said.

Drones are already being tested in Switzerland, the U.S., and the UAE for transporting biomaterials and medicines, reflecting a natural expansion of UAV applications.

“Here we have a head start in trained crews and combat-tested technologies. Having confirmed operational experience in Ukraine makes it easier to demonstrate capabilities to international partners,” Ukrspecsystems added.

The company stated that the joint experiment with the Heart Institute is focused on achieving practical outcomes.

“We see this as preparation for the next stage of the company’s development. After the war, part of our production capacity can be redirected to civilian tasks — medical logistics, humanitarian operations, and monitoring critical infrastructure. There is already demand: we receive inquiries from European partners exploring the use of PD-2 drones in civilian missions,” Ukrspecsystems said.

Thanks to its vertical take-off and landing capability, the PD-2 can operate in almost any location. Its 800 km flight range is sufficient to reach the most remote areas of Ukraine.

The organ is transported in a specially developed thermal box created by specialists from the Heart Institute.

“In previous tests, for example, a pig’s heart was flown for four hours. After landing, all necessary tests were conducted. The results confirmed that the PD-2 can safely transport organs,” the company shared.